Question 1

What is hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, therapeutic hypnosis is the means to achieve your goal (alter your habits, alleviate unwanted symptoms, etc.) with minimal conscious willpower. 
There is no commonly agreed definition of hypnosis because it’s a subjective state and, as such, is unique to each person. And yet, this is a state that you experience on a daily basis, for example, when you’re daydreaming, in the state of “flow” or engrossed in a book or movie.

Another example is a bus or car ride you regularly take. Have you ever reached your destination but forgot both the moment you got on board and the journey itself?

That is hypnosis: a focused state of attention when you’re fully immersed in what you’re doing and stop noticing your surroundings. Hypnotherapy simply directs that focused attention towards a specific goal.

In a state of hypnosis, you’re more susceptible to suggestions to alter your experience, making it easier to achieve change by utilizing the resources of your subconscious.

Question 2

What is the difference between hypnosis and self-hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

I would argue that very often hypnosis is self-hypnosis. 
Hypnosis is usually goal-oriented, using cognitive resources to solve a specific problem. Self-hypnosis can be achieved through guided meditation. 
 
However, it may prove difficult to reach this state and mobilize resources to achieve the desired goal on your own, without training or guidance from an experienced hypnotherapist.

Question 3

What issues can hypnotherapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis has been shown in clinical studies to be an effective way of alleviating symptoms and providing relief for a wide variety of issues, including addictions, allergies, anxiety, bad habits, chronic stress, fatigue, fibromyalgia, frustration, interpersonal relationships, pain management, phobias, PTSD, sleep disorders and more.
Learn more about how hypnotherapy can help you.

Question 4

Is this suitable for me if I have a mental illness?

Accepted Answer

If you suffer from a mental disorder requiring psychiatric treatment, please ask your doctor for their opinion before working with me. Hypnotherapy should be used as a supplement to traditional medical treatment, not instead of it.

Question 5

Is this suitable for me if I have a physical illness?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy can be effective to help alleviate symptoms of physical illnesses and manage chronic pain. However, I do not diagnose, cure, or prescribe treatment for medical conditions or disorders. 
Before starting our sessions, I will ask you about your digestion and whether you have any gastrointestinal issues. The reason I ask is that chronic inflammation of the intestines results in neurological inflammation and may interfere with the therapeutic process. ​

Question 6

Will I lose control during hypnosis? Will you make me do something?

Accepted Answer

During hypnosis, you are always in control and no one can make you do things you don’t want. Even though your mind is in a highly receptive state, it’s up to you whether to accept or reject - and most probably reinterpret therapeutically - my suggestions.

Question 7

Will hypnosis put me to sleep?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is not a form of sleep, that is a myth. You will be fully aware and hear every word I say.

Question 8

Is my issue real or is it only in my head?

Accepted Answer

If you’re suffering from an issue that seemingly doesn’t have a medical cause, you can feel like it’s not real and “only” in your head. The good news is that it is real–and you can regain control.
Think of your brain like a musical instrument nobody taught you to play. The more you practice in consciousness, the better you’ll get at it.
For example, if you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, with some training, you can learn how to control your physical response and rewire your brain.

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